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Pet peeves

Posted by Bob on July 08, 2000

In Reply to: Pet peeves posted by Charles on July 08, 2000

: What is the meaning and origin of the phrase "pet peeve?"

The meaning is a personal annoyance. "Pet" as in subjectively specific to a person, not a widely-held social convention. "Peeve" as in something which upsets someone very mildly. Scratching in public might be a pet peeve, warfare would not. Don't have a clue as to origin.

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